The Els Club Teluk Datai

Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, The Els Club Teluk Datai is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery and virgin rainforest. The golf course opened for play in 1992 as Dalit Bay Golf Club and immediately put Langkawi on the map of premium golf destinations. Datai Bay was voted as The Most Scenic Golf Course in Malaysia and nominated as one of the best golf resorts in Asia. It was also voted as Best Top Ten Golf Course in Malaysia, by Asian Golf Monthly in 2009. In 2012-13 the course was completely renovated and reopened for play in 2014 under the current name of The Els Club Teluk Datai.

Re-designed by 4-time major champion, Ernie Els, the 18-hole course is part of the nationwide The Els Club Malaysia portfolio. The Rainforest Course is in the northern part of Langkawi, bordered by the Andaman Sea to the East, and within a massive 8,000-acre preserve. The Els Club Teluk Datai meanders its way through million-year-old rainforest cascading down to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and is overlooked by the marbled limestone peaks of the Mat Cincang Mountains. With natural streams flowing throughout the golf course, it's easy to lose focus.

The vision for the golf course is to preserve and enhance the natural environment while creating a luxury golf experience. Many varieties of trees and plants thrive along the course including tropical hardwoods, bougainvillea, palms, ferns, parasitic vines, and broad-leafed plants. Also, resident monkeys and other native animals live around the course. With a wide array of natural flora and wildlife, The Els Club Teluk Datai protects the environment and preserves the natural surroundings.

The par-72 championship layout plays to a short 6,734 yards from the tips and is perfect for both beginners and avid golfers alike. The immense variety of lies; uphill and downhill with undulating fairways and greens, all combine to provide a rewarding Langkawi golf experience. The fairways are amply wide with excellent bunkering around the greens. An abundance of huge ancient trees lining the fairways is enough to keep the driver in the bag on many holes.

Given all the hilly terrain, the golf course is surprisingly flat on the front-nine. The cleverly designed sharp dogleg par-5 8th is one of the best on the front nine.

There are more elevation changes on the back nine, where the closing sequence of holes supplies some needed additional features. The 15th starts the excellent closing stretch with a wonderfully plunging downhill par-3. The tricky par-4 16th with its giant overhanging trees preventing a simple route to the green for any short tee shots.

After the 16th take a time-out from your 18-holes proper, to play the signature hole, an extra hole, the 170 yard par-3 carry over the Andaman Sea. Finally, it’s back to a very good uphill par-3 and then the terrific short par-5 closing hole.

The course itself is managed by Troon Golf, providing excellent service to international golfers. The Els Club Teluk Datai contemporary clubhouse features a wide range of amenities including plush locker rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, restaurant, and lounge. Golf equipment for hire is available and is also of good quality.  The Hornbill Café offers the perfect place to enjoy a casual dining experience while overlooking the course. The Els Lounge is an open-air setting on the upper floor where golfers can reflect on their rounds or enjoy the picturesque setting of the surrounding jungle.

Golf carts with GPS come with the green fees. Prices are on the expensive side. Nevertheless, given the high standard, this Malaysia golf course is an excellent track. It is more like golf with a nature walk combined.